Hot Springs

Hello all, I arrived in Hot Springs NC last night around 10:30 pm.  I hiked 24 miles yesterday to get here. Longest mileage yet in one day.  I am hoping to do around 20 miles a day from now on.  Things have been going very well, my blisters have cleared up so now I just have the general hurt that comes with hiking everyday.  Since I last was able to update a lot I have gone through the Great Smoky Mountains.  We did hiked the Smokies in 5 days, which is pretty good.  It was extremely cold for most of the days in the Smokies, and I was concerned one night that I was close to hypothermia.  However, I was able to get in my sleeping bag and warm up just in time.  This trip is very different from what I expected it to be, but its been a lot of fun so far.  Hiking has almost become a job in a way.  Everyday I hike for a while, eat lunch then hike more, and lately even hike after dark.  I have become more aware of my surroundings out here, and I am really starting to appreciate nature in all its beauty.  One thing that is upsetting is that I have yet to see a bear.  I was hoping to see one in the Smokies but I think it was too cold.  Although apparently the bears didn't even hibernate this year due to the mild winter we are having.  Speaking of mild winter, I may have chosen the best year to start hiking the AT in February.  The weather is very nice most of the time. Last night around 9 JRab and I just stopped to look at the stars before we finished the last 2 miles into Hot Springs, and it was extremely warm and just clear for as far as I could see.  Moments like that are what make this trip worth it, when you can lose yourself in the moment.  I finally got to cowboy camp a couple nights ago, which means I just slept on the ground without any shelter, and it was great to fall asleep looking at the stars.  I even saw a falling star right before shutting my eyes.  I have this saying that has kept me going many times "Slow and steady wins the race.....or at least finishes it." I am a bit of a slower hiker than the rest of the crew I am with so when they take off during the day I sometimes get discouraged, but this little phrase helps me.  However, now I can really tell I am speeding up and keeping up with everyone.  Its starting to become a little easier, not easy, but easier haha.  Tonight is a celebration for JRabs bday, so we will be spending the day having a good time with a big fire and camping right on the French Broad river.  I am extremely happy to be out here doing this, and I wouldnt change a thing.  More updates soon to come. 

Squatch